When my plane arrived on Staten Island for the first time, it felt like a world away from any other part of New York City. After all, this borough contains the last remaining riverside residential area in all of Manhattan.
Far removed from rush-hour crowds in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Staten Island offers suburban peace and urban convenience in one place.
I can still remember clearly when I strolled through its peaceful side streets and took in the vast expanses of green land. On lovely days, I watched boats cruising among islets nearby as I rode the Staten Island Ferry back to New York Harbor. The sights I saw were all proof of how much this ‘forgotten borough’ still has to offer.
Staten Island presents an appealing alternative to the hustle and bustle of urban life in nearby New York. Here, you can savor colloquial peace amid serenity yet be a few miles away from one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Amid fast-changing times, Staten Island still offers an increasingly rare lifestyle.
Here, you can find reasonably priced accommodations situated in community-oriented quarters. If you’re looking for a family-friendly environment, or if your tastes run to a more leisurely pace, somewhere that provides better value on space–then Staten Island is the place for you.
Living there gave me a new perspective on New York City. I’m excited to share what I learned with you and if this particular borough suits your personality.
Understanding Staten Island:
Geography and Location
Staten Island is the southernmost part of New York City. Lying within close proximity of New York Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Staten Island is cut off from the main part of New York City, making it relatively remote and unique.
The major ways by which the island is reached is by taking the Staten Island Ferry to Lower Manhattan or through several bridges, which are shared with Brooklyn and New Jersey.
At 58 square miles, the borough of Brooklyn holds the third-largest amount of land and is the least populated, with approximately 475,000 residents.
This low population density adds to its suburban feel, giving the residents much space and a sense of community that is usually rare in other boroughs within the city.
Demographics and Population
Staten Island is far less diverse compared to the remainder of New York City’s five boroughs. Since its colonial occupancy, the populations to have called the island home reflect Italian, Irish, and Russian heritage.
There is a rapidly growing Hispanic, African American, and Asian population. In all facets of normal human function, from food to festivals to community events, much is available on Staten Island for resident and visitor alike.
History and Culture
Staten Island boasts a very colorful history—from the early 1600s as part of the Dutch colony to the centuries in which it played important, formative roles in New York City, from critical commercial hub to modern suburb.
Historic landmarks dot the borough: In addition to the Conference House, where a peace conference was held during the American Revolution, the Staten Island Museum is a beautiful chronicle of the rich history of the area and its natural environment.
Staten Island is also topographically bound with its history and land. It has a strong marine tradition, hence its thriving fishing community and other water sports.
This relationship with the sea must be certainly reflected in the local food itself, whereupon seafood is one of the staples that would be available within all sorts of restaurants and markets within the area.
The Pros of Living in Staten Island:
1. Lower Cost of Living Compared to Other NYC Boroughs
The Staten Island is relatively more affordable as compared to most of the boroughs. Sure, the money you pay there can go really far, of course, as opposed to Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens.
Certainly, housing costs are cheaper (from renting an apartment to owning a home). Homes available come in all shapes and sizes, from beautiful single-family homes with yards to modern apartments overlooking the water.
Beyond relatively affordable housing, food, utilities, and dining are cheaper on Staten Island than in the other boroughs.
This appeal makes Staten Island an excellent option for families, retirees, and most anybody looking to conserve money while still enjoying many benefits of living in New York City.
2. Quieter and Less Crowded
With a small population, Staten Island is in total contrast to all other boroughs in its serenity. It is the perfect retreat for one who longs to be at peace and experience quietness far from the hustle and bustle of city life. The streets are less crowded, the rhythm of life is slower, and thus life is easygoing.
But this suburban charm attracts families with kids and retirees looking for a quiet place. As if it were an offering of many parks, a lot of greenery, and tranquil neighborhoods, Staten Island is a haven that can be safe and peaceful, no matter one’s age.
3. Access to Nature and Outdoor Activities
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Staten Island can be a pretty interesting place to live in.
Many parks and green areas have been freed from captivity, numbering in excess of 170, creating ample opportunities for hiking and biking and hanging out outside.
Probably the most famous green places for outings is the Staten Island Greenbelt (a 2,800-acre system of parks) and trails that pass through forests, wetlands, and meadows.
Fairly large beaches added to this Greenbelt, such as South Beach, Midland Beach, and Cedar Grove Beach, offer great opportunities for Staten Island residents.
All these sand beaches are good places to swim, sunbathe, and have a good picnic session in summer.
The area near the water is also a great place for boating, fishing, and other types of water activities.
4. Family-Friendly Environment
Staten Island is almost an ideal place for raising a child, as it is family-friendly and has a great quantity of quality schools available in both the public and private spectra, besides many other extracurricular activities and community programs a kid can join.
Low crime adds to the generally good state of safety and well-being of the families already residing in Staten Island.
Staten Island offers other great family attractions among all the educational resources.
It includes the Staten Island Zoo, Staten Island Children’s Museum, and Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, further developing children through amusement and learning for children of all ages.
5. Strong Community Spirit
Probably, Staten Island should be defined by a strong sense of community.
Relatively small in size and population density, the borough has worn an air of closeness whereby neighbors know their neighbors, and people are very much into the activities and events that the locale offers.
Community organizations, neighborhood associations, and local businesses help keep the consensus together.
It is further made vivid by festivals, parades, and such cultural events that create community spirit.
From the yearly Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the Richmond County Fair, one after another, events unfold in which the residents all come together to celebrate their heritage and traditions.
6. Easy Access to Manhattan
While Staten Island feels like a suburb, it is just a short ride to the heart of Manhattan.
The Staten Island Ferry is free and gives a very scenic 25-minute ride to Lower Manhattan, with fabulous views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New York City skyline.
In other words, while Staten Island feels like a suburb, it takes a relatively short ride to reach the heart of Manhattan.
Except the ferry, three to four bridges connect Staten Island to the rest of New York City.
These include the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, connecting the borough with Brooklyn.
Though the public transportation of Staten Island is much less as compared to the others, the ferry and bridges make it easily accessible for the rest of the city.
The Cons of Living in Staten Island
1. Limited Public Transportation Options
The primary drawback of living in Staten Island is the limited amount of public transportation that it offers.
While it is the only borough of New York City without a subway system, people use buses and the Staten Island Railway with heavy reliance on cars for getting around.
Although the Staten Island Ferry does indeed provide a very convenient link to Manhattan, without access to a car, getting around Staten Island becomes rather difficult.
This would also mean longer commutes to get into the rest of New York City from here than from other boroughs.
In effect, congestion like this is usually rampant during rush hour and faced by the people of Staten Island as they drive into work or depend on buses.
2. Distance from the Rest of NYC
The geographical break of Staten Island from the rest of New York City can sometimes make it well, a little isolated.
After all, although it is one of the five boroughs of the city, access to Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens for reasons of work or social interaction—one only has to commute, if not too frequently—can be relatively easy.
Indeed, this sense of isolation is exacerbated by limited public transportation, which definitely undercuts other boroughs and their amenities and attractions from being easily accessed.
For some, this may be worth the trade-offs for the quieter and more suburban environments in which they reside; for others, it could be a major con.
3. Limited Nightlife and Entertainment Options
In comparison to nightlife and entertainment, Staten Island is definitely more low-key compared to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even Queens.
The borough does contain its fair share of bars, restaurants, and cultural spots; however, they are fewer and more spread out compared to the others.
This might count a disadvantage among those who like having a lively nightlife going on or simply have excitement over eating out and trying new restaurants.
Meanwhile, Staten Island has its own kind of entertainment: from the historical St. George Theatre running live performances and film screenings to the Staten Island Yankees (a minor league baseball team).
While the nightlife may be rather quiet, the residents of the area are in a position to enjoy themselves without leaving the borough.
4. Perception of a “Suburban” Lifestyle
Whereas many find the more suburban feel of Staten Island an enticing factor, this could be a turn-off for others.
For a person who draws energy from the momentum of living in the city, Staten Island may be too much like a sleepy suburb.
The quiet nature of Staten Island, with its single-family homes and tree-lined streets, maybe a bit too unexciting or lack variety in terms of the cultural melting pot experienced in many parts of the city.
Further to this, Staten Island has the perception of being more conservative and traditional on all levels; therefore, it does not share values or become the fit for the lifestyle of each resident.
This “suburban” lifestyle is, in fact, a disadvantage for many who are accustomed with Manhattan’s more open, progressive, and generally diverse atmosphere.
5. Higher Property Taxes
Generally speaking, Staten Island has higher property taxes than most of the other boroughs in New York City.
This may be a factor in the decision for prospective owners and renters alike.
In most parts, property taxes in New York City are generally quite low compared to other parts of the country; Staten Island’s property taxes, however, are higher in relation to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
It is partly because of the suburban nature of the borough: where homes are larger, so property values are higher.
Higher property taxes would increase a person’s cost of living.
This is cumulative over time, making Staten Island less desirable in which to live for some individuals, especially when neighboring boroughs have lower property taxes.
For renters, this is usually passed on in terms of higher rent that may make the living in Staten Island more expensive than it actually appears.
6. Vulnerability to Natural Disasters
Staten Island is particularly more prone to natural disasters, especially those dealing with hurricanes and flooding.
A strong hurricane Sandy hit Staten Island in the year 2012, basically showing perils of residing in a coastal area. As a result of that, the partial areas of the island are much more liable to flooding and storm surges.
Admittedly, some changes have been effected to the infrastructure in preparation for disasters since Sandy, but parts of Staten Island continue to be in a precarious situation.
Potential residents should consider such risks and the level of infrastructure preparedness when deciding whether to relocate on the island.
This location will most likely require flood insurance and other disaster preparedness, further adding to the general cost of living.
Who Should Consider Living in Staten Island?
Ideal Demographics:
The Staten Island area is highly recommended for raising one’s kids or older adults who would want a slower, more relaxed lifestyle.
It offers a lot more space and quiet time in comparison to the other boroughs. It will be ideal for people needing features very much.
Comparison with Other Boroughs for Different Types of Residents (Singles, Young Professionals, etc.):
Staten Island is indeed ideal for families and the elderly, but not necessarily perfect for singles or young professionals who look forward to a nightlife or new, more challenging jobs—such as those available in Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Also, the remoteness of the borough from any other place and the slower pace of life might not be appealing to everybody either.
Lifestyle Considerations:
Staten Island living is about a series of compromises between expectations and realities.
While Staten Island has this unique balance for a taste of the suburbs within reach of the city, for some people, this very thing can be a con: the slow life, the necessity for a car.
It’s always important to consider your lifestyle preferences before opting for a move and what Staten Island offers.
Conclusion:
Recap of Key Points:
In exploring whether Staten Island is a good place to live, we’ve discussed several key aspects of the borough. Pros include the tranquil suburban environment, affordability compared to other NYC boroughs, and ample green spaces and parks, making it an attractive option for families and retirees. These are offset by higher property taxes, as well as the added risk of natural disasters, namely hurricanes, on the property; and impairment relative to the rest of New York City, which may not appeal to its urban lifestyle.
Final Verdict:
Is Staten Island any good to live in? That would all depend upon personal tastes and particular situations. If somebody fancies a slower pace of life, more living space, or being closer to the community, then this borough will do just fine. On the other hand, if you are into the city life with thrust and bustle action, or you need to take commutes back and forth from Manhattan frequently, the cons far outweigh the pros. Ultimately, it is indeed about what you value more in your neighborhood, and a few things to consider should help you decide if Staten Island will go with what you need for a lifestyle.